Wide range of services

Some have supported us for many years, have visited the House many times and understand what we do.

For some of our newer supporters, it can prove difficult visiting the House with a fear of the unknown or perhaps memories of their own past having visited an adult hospice environment.

When people do come and see what we do, they are often surprised at all the services we provide, not only at Chestnut Tree House itself, but also in the community.

We offer a range of services including specialist short breaks, emergency care, end of life care, pre and post-bereavement care as well as support for the whole family.

People are also surprised that it is not really like a hospice at all – it’s like a family home, not clinical and white, but with lots of colour and toys everywhere. It is a happy and positive place.

When visitors hear we have to find nearly all of the money it costs to run Chestnut Tree House and our community services, they are shocked. Often, people assume children’s hospices are fully-funded by the government – but, unfortunately, this is not the case.

The cost of providing our specialist care is £3 million per year – less than 8p in every pound is funded by the government, so we rely heavily on the continuing generosity, help and support of the people of Sussex.

The more people we can tell about Chestnut Tree House, the more families we can reach out to, but in turn, the more funds we require to keep Sussex’s only children’s hospice going.

Chestnut Tree House, in Dover Lane, Arundel, cares for over 280 children and young adults from 0-25 years of age with progressive life-limiting conditions.

For more information on Chestnut Tree House visit the website www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk